Implants are biocompatible structures that our dentists surgically place into the bone of an area with a missing tooth. They act as a foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture. At Lochwood Family Dental in Dallas, TX, we provide dental implants for patients to restore one or more missing teeth. Our dental implants offer long-lasting support and act like natural tooth roots. We also provide additional restorative dentistry treatments in Dallas, Texas.
Tooth implants are a lasting and comfortable treatment for missing teeth. No matter how many teeth you are missing, dental implants can restore the beauty and function of your smile. Modern dental technology, materials, and techniques make implants more natural-looking and durable than ever.
Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
Our dental care team recommends seeking help for missing teeth as soon as possible for optimal results. Without treatment, missing teeth can lead to advanced dental health concerns.
Untreated, missing teeth can lead to:
- Recession of jawline
- Bone deterioration
- Facial sagging
- Infection
- Decrease in ability to chew
- Gum disease
- Further tooth loss
- Damage to remaining teeth
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide patients with many benefits that will improve the quality and confidence of their smiles. Implants:
- Improve Smile Appearance: When you lose your natural teeth, you also lose your full smile. Tooth gaps, especially in the front teeth can cause embarrassment. Restoring missing teeth with implants provides a seamless look because implant restorations use porcelain. This material reflects light like natural teeth.
- Provide Successful Treatment: Implants are the preferred method of tooth replacement because of their high success rate. 99% of dental implant procedures are successful and provide lasting results.
- Support the Jaw: Dental implants act as prosthetic teeth, filling the root canal. Implants support the structure of your jaw bone. As a result, you no longer have to experience facial sagging or drooping skin.
The Dental Implant Process in Dallas, TX
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. A candidate must have good oral health and proper bone density and width for a successful procedure. Following the surgery, you will require a healing period for your mouth to heal over the implant post. The healing period also allows the bone tissue to build up and permanently anchor the device.
Our dental care team will tend to every step of your treatment for consistent, thorough, and high-quality results. We will take the time to understand your dental health concerns and your cosmetic goals.
Pretreatment
First, we will take digital X-rays to view your teeth, gums, and jaw. These X-rays help us determine where you have missing teeth and if you need grafting. Depending on the number of missing teeth, we will recommend a single crown, bridge, or denture.
We must ensure you are healthy enough for implant treatment. Then, once you are healthy, we will build a comprehensive treatment plan to address all your missing teeth issues.
If you have jaw bone loss, we will recommend grafting before implant treatment. Bone grafting adds healthy bone tissue where it’s needed. We will also recommend treatments for gum disease or tooth decay. If needed, we will remove problem teeth with tooth extraction treatment.
Implant Placement
An oral surgeon will numb your mouth and place the implant posts in the jaw. You may also have sedation, depending on how many implants you need. At this time, we may take an impression for your restoration.
The surgeon will also place a temporary restoration so you will not be without teeth as you heal. You can also get a tooth extraction, implant placement, and temporary restoration in one visit. This process is called Teeth in a Day.
After implant placement, your jaw bone takes three to six weeks to grow around the implant post during a process called osseointegration.
Abutment Placement
Once healed, we will place the abutment, which connects the post and the restoration. Then, we will take another impression. Your gums will need several more weeks to heal.
Final Restoration
Once you heal fully, you will return to our office for the final fitting. We will remove the temporary restoration and check the fit and appearance of the final restoration. Finally, we will place your final crown, bridge, or denture.
How to Care for Dental Implants
We recommend that you avoid smoking or using tobacco products throughout the implant process. Nicotine can restrict the blood vessels, which slows healing. Your implants may fail if you smoke, vape, or use other products during implant treatment.
Fortunately, dental implants require no more care or maintenance than natural teeth. However, the implant depends on healthy surrounding gum tissue to remain intact. Brushing, flossing, and biannual dental checkups will keep your dental implants healthy.
Dental Implants FAQs
Do you want to know more about dental implants in our Dallas, TX dental office? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants:
Are dental implants permanent?
If you properly care for your smile, your implant posts will permanently stay in the jawbone. While you may need to receive a new restoration over time, the implant anchor should remain in place.
What do teeth implants feel like?
Once your implants fuse with the jaw bone, the posts will feel like natural teeth. The anchor is a replacement tooth root that secures restorations.
Can dental implants cause sinus problems?
Most dental implants will not cause any sinus problems. Patients will only encounter sinus issues if the oral surgeon places the implant post incorrectly. The oral surgeon can add more bone to the sinus cavity with a sinus augmentation or bone graft treatment.
Although implants may sit in that area, you should not experience problems. We will ensure the implant does not move up the sinus to create issues.
Can dental implants fail?
Dental implants can fail if patients develop infections, consume tobacco during the implant process, or do not have sufficient jaw bone. We always ensure patients are good candidates before treatment. Our dentists will recommend services like bone grafting to provide adequate support.
Will dental implants improve gum disease?
Implants cannot cure gum disease. We recommend gum disease treatment before you receive your dental implants. Gum disease will impact the stability and health of the implant. After we treat your gum disease, we can begin implant treatment.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on these factors:
- The number of implants you need
- The type of restoration
- Pretreatments
- Sedation
After we examine your mouth, we will provide you with an estimate of your implant treatment cost. Dental insurance often covers restorative treatments like dental implants. Our office accepts major insurance plans to ensure affordable dental implant treatment.
Restore Missing Teeth
Replace one or more lost teeth and restore your oral health today. Schedule a dental appointment online or call our office at 214-544-9633.
Please let us know if you have more questions about dental implants in our Dallas, TX, office. We will be glad to answer them for you at your next visit.